In today’s digital age, your organisation’s security is guided by how cyber aware your employees are.
In 2023, over 80% of successful cyber-attacks resulted from human error. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, investing in cyber security training for staff isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity.
Think about it – how confident are you that your team would recognise a sophisticated phishing attempt? Or do they know what to do if they accidentally download suspicious software?
These scenarios aren’t just hypothetical – they’re real challenges that organisations face daily.
Cyber threats are always evolving, and your employees need to be equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to protect your organisation’s valuable assets.
Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large corporation, understanding and implementing effective cybersecurity training is crucial for your organisation’s safety and success.
What is Cyber Security Awareness Training?
Before diving into specific courses, let’s understand what cyber security staff awareness training actually entails.
At its core, it’s a structured program designed to educate employees about various cyber threats and security best practices. This type of training goes beyond just teaching technical skills – it’s about creating a security-conscious culture within your organization.
Effective cyber security awareness training typically covers several key areas:
- Recognising and responding to phishing attempts
- Password management and security
- Data protection and privacy
- Mobile device security
- Social engineering awareness
- Incident reporting procedures
There are substantial benefits for implementing comprehensive cyber security training for employees.
Organisations that invest in regular cyber security training typically see:
- 70% reduction in security incidents
- Improved compliance with regulatory requirements ?
- Enhanced customer trust
- Reduced risk of data breaches
- Significant cost savings from preventing security incidents
List of Top 10 Cyber Security Awareness Training Courses for Employees
1. Online Cyber Security Awareness Training Course (Sentrient)
Sentrient’s comprehensive cyber security awareness training for employees stands out for its focus on practical, real-world applications.
The course is designed with busy professionals in mind, offering flexible, bite-sized modules that can be completed at your own pace.
What makes this course particularly effective is its emphasis on compliance requirements across different industries. You’ll find modules specifically tailored to various sectors, ensuring that your team receives relevant training that aligns with your organization’s needs.
Key features:
- Interactive modules with engaging scenarios
- Regular assessments to track progress
- Industry-specific compliance training
- Real-time reporting for managers
- Mobile-friendly platform
2. Cyber Security by SC Training (Formerly EdApp)
SC Training takes a modern approach to IT security training for employees with their microlearning platform.
This course breaks down complex security concepts into easily digestible chunks, making it ideal for teams with varying levels of technical expertise.
Their mobile-first approach means your employees can access training materials anytime, anywhere. The platform’s gamification elements keep learners engaged, while regular content updates ensure your team stays current with the latest security threats and best practices.
Notable aspects:
- 5-10 minute learning modules
- Gamified learning experiences
- Regular content updates
- Multi-device accessibility
- Built-in reinforcement tools
3. CyberSapiens: Best Security Awareness Training Online Provider
CyberSapiens has earned its reputation as one of the leading providers of cyber security courses. Their platform stands out for its highly customisable training modules that can be tailored to your organisation’s specific needs.
What sets CyberSapiens apart is their comprehensive phishing simulation platform, allowing your team to practice identifying and responding to real-world threats in a safe environment.
The analytics dashboard provides detailed insights into your team’s progress and areas needing improvement.
Highlights:
- Customisable training content
- Support for multiple languages
- Advanced phishing simulations
- Detailed performance analytics
- Regular security updates
4. CyberAudit
CyberAudit’s approach to online IT security courses combines traditional learning with modern risk assessment tools.
This platform is particularly valuable for organisations that need to maintain specific compliance standards while ensuring their employees are well-trained in cybersecurity basics.
The platform’s automated reporting features make it easy to track progress and demonstrate compliance to stakeholders. Their industry benchmarking tools help you understand how your organisation’s security awareness compares to others in your sector.
Key features:
- Compliance tracking system
- Risk assessment tools
- Automated reporting
- Industry benchmarking
- Custom training paths
5. Wombat Security
Wombat Security’s platform takes a behaviour-focused approach to security awareness training.
They have adaptive learning paths that ensure each employee receives training tailored to their role and current knowledge level.
The platform’s strength lies in its ability to identify and address specific security awareness gaps within your organisation. Plus, the campaign management tool make it easy to roll out and track training initiatives across large teams.
Unique aspects:
- Behavioural analysis tools
- Role-based learning paths
- Security awareness materials
- Comprehensive reporting
- Integration capabilities
6. Cybersecurity Basics (edX)
edX’s Cybersecurity Basics course offers a more academic approach to cyber security staff training.
This course is perfect for organisations looking to provide their employees with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, ensuring your team understands both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of cybersecurity best practices. Expert instructors from leading institutions deliver the content, adding credibility and depth to the learning experience.
Course highlights:
- University-level content
- Self-paced learning options
- Expert instruction
- Practical exercises
- Verified certificates
7. Improve Your Online Business Security (Google)
Google’s free security training resources offer a practical approach to basic cyber security awareness.
While not as comprehensive as some paid options, this course provides excellent foundational knowledge, especially for small businesses and startups.
The course integrates well with Google’s suite of tools, making it particularly valuable for organisations already using Google Workspace. The content is regularly updated to address new security challenges and threats.
Key benefits:
- No cost
- Integration with Google tools
- Regular updates
- Basic to intermediate coverage
- Practical examples
8. Cyber Security For Normal People (Skillshare)
This Skillshare course takes a uniquely approachable stance on cyber security training.
It’s designed specifically for non-technical employees, using everyday language and relatable examples to explain complex security concepts.
The project-based learning approach helps employees apply security principles to real-world situations. The community features allow learners to share experiences and learn from others’ questions and insights.
Notable features:
- Non-technical language
- Practical projects
- Community support
- Regular updates
- Engaging content
9. Information Security Awareness (PhishingBox)
PhishingBox’s training platform specialises in phishing awareness and prevention.
The course has comprehensive simulation exercises that help your employees recognise and respond appropriately to various types of phishing attempts.
The platform’s reporting tools provide detailed insights into your team’s performance, helping you identify areas where additional training might be needed.
Key aspects:
- Advanced phishing simulations
- Detailed reporting
- Progress tracking
- Customisable campaigns
- Regular updates
10. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks (Coursera)
Coursera’s comprehensive cyber security course offers a deep dive into various aspects of information security.
The course is developed in partnership with industry leaders, ensuring content relevancy and practical application.
The professional certification offered upon completion adds value for both employees and organisations. The course structure allows for flexible learning while maintaining high educational standards.
Highlights:
- Industry partnerships
- Professional certification
- Flexible learning schedule
- Practical assignments
- Comprehensive curriculum
Conclusion
Selecting the right cyber security training program for your organization is crucial.
Each of the courses we’ve reviewed offers unique strengths and approaches to security awareness training. The key is to choose a program that aligns with your organisation’s specific needs, technical requirements, and learning objectives.
Remember that cyber security awareness training isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing process that requires regular updates and refresher courses.
While all the courses we’ve reviewed offer valuable training elements, Sentrient’s Online Cyber Security Awareness Training Course delivers an unmatched combination of comprehensive coverage, user-friendly design, and proven results.
What sets Sentrient apart is its deep understanding of both cyber security and adult learning principles.
The platform doesn’t just throw information at your employees – it engages them through interactive scenarios, real-world examples, and industry-specific content that directly relates to their daily work.
This practical approach ensures higher retention rates and better application of security practices in real-world situations.
FAQs
1) Why is the Security Awareness Training Program (SATP) important for Australian businesses?
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, Security Awareness Training Programs have become essential for Australian businesses. Today, the Australian Cyber Security Centre reports that a cyber attack occurs every 7 minutes. This means your business needs strong protection for its sensitive data, customer information, and daily operations. By training your employees, you help them spot and handle various threats like phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and social engineering tricks.
2) What are the common topics covered in Security Awareness Training Programs?
Modern Security Awareness Training Programs cover a wide range of important topics that every employee should understand. You’ll learn about creating and managing strong passwords, recognising dangerous emails, and browsing the internet safely. The training also teaches you how to protect against social engineering attacks, where criminals try to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
3) How often should employees receive Security Awareness Training Programs?
When it comes to security training frequency, it’s best to think of it as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. New employees should receive comprehensive training when they start, helping them understand your company’s security practices from day one. After that, quarterly refresher courses keep the information fresh in everyone’s mind.
4) Are there any regulations in Australia that require Security Awareness Training Programs?
Australia has several regulations that make security awareness training necessary for businesses. The Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set rules about how companies must protect personal information. The Notifiable Data Breaches scheme requires organisations to report serious data breaches and take steps to prevent them.
5) How much does a Security Awareness Training Program typically cost?
The cost of security awareness training varies depending on your business needs. This price usually includes basic training modules, but you might pay more for extra features like custom content or advanced simulations.
6) What are the benefits of using a Security Awareness Training Program provider?
Working with a professional Security Awareness Training provider brings many advantages to your business. Instead of creating training materials from scratch, you get access to professionally designed content that’s regularly updated with the latest security information. These providers offer automated systems that track who’s completed training and how well they’re doing. You’ll get detailed reports that help prove compliance with regulations and identify areas where employees might need extra help.
7) Do Security Awareness Training Programs typically involve scenarios?
Yes, most modern training programs include practical scenarios to help employees learn by doing. Rather than just reading about security threats, your team gets to experience them in a safe environment.
8) How can I measure the effectiveness of a Security Awareness Training Program?
Measuring your training program’s success doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by tracking basic numbers like how many employees complete their training and what scores they get on assessments. Look at how well your team performs in phishing simulations. If you see fewer successful cyber attacks and more employees reporting suspicious activities, your training is probably working well.
9) What are some free resources available for Security Awareness Training Programs?
While paid training programs offer the most comprehensive protection, several free resources can supplement your security training efforts. The Australian Cyber Security Centre offers basic cyber security training materials anyone can use. You can also access free security tools from companies like Google and Microsoft.
10) How can I choose the right Security Awareness Training Program provider for my business?
Finding the right training provider starts with understanding your business needs. Look for providers who know Australian business requirements and have experience helping companies like yours. Most importantly, ask for a trial period to test the training with a small group before committing.
